Scotland in October: Weather, Tips and More
Enjoy autumnal colors in the crisp, cool weather on your trip to Scotland in October. Woodlands and countryside are adorned with fall foliage during this time and it is an ideal month for a slow, relaxing holiday. The country is on the cusp of descending into winter in October and the deluge of tourists from the high season has almost receded. A crowd-free, relaxing time at last.
Be it the towering Edinburgh Castle or the scenic Loch Lomond, there is no dearth of sites to visit in Scotland in October. Plus, the low season means you can get better deals on hotels and travel fares.
- Anna Lewis
Scotland Weather in October
Scotland in October is an amalgamation of cool summer climes with hints of wet and cold winter. Every now and then the sky broods with a moody spread of rain clouds and the country see an average rainfall of 176 mm throughout the month. Temperatures across Scotland dip steadily during this month, with the average highs of 13 °C and lows of 7 °C. While it is not uncommon to come across a fresh cover of snow in high mountains, the rest of the country generally enjoys mild weather conditions in October.
For a seasonal overview, read our article on the best time to visit Scotland.
Weather in Scotland in October - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 5 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 7 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 2 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 41 | 43 | 49 | 52 | 58 | 63 | 67 | 67 | 61 | 56 | 49 | 45 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 34 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 43 | 49 | 52 | 52 | 49 | 45 | 38 | 36 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 50 | 70 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 50 | 70 | 80 | 70 | 70 |
| Sep | Oct | Nov | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 16 | 13 | 9 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 9 | 7 | 3 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 61 | 56 | 49 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 49 | 45 | 38 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 80 | 70 |
Why Visit Scotland in October
With the fall season peaking in October, nature pulls out all the stops to make itself breathtakingly stunning. Here are some reasons why you should visit Scotland in October.
- Better rates: October is the last month before businesses close down for the low season. This prompts them to offer lucrative deals on hotels and travel fares.
- Lesser crowds: The fall month of October is when the country heaves a sigh of relief after a hectic summer. Make the most of your stay in the country with secluded walks in meadows and have castle corridors pretty much to yourself.
- Festivals: Traveling to Scotland in October gives you the chance to enjoy different festivities. Taste the spirit of Scotland by attending the Speyside Whisky Festival in Dufftown, or immerse yourself in Gaelic culture, literature, and music at Royal National Mòd. You could also check out the Enchanted Forest, Scotland's favorite sound and light show, and celebrate Halloween with a twist at Samhuinn Fire Festival in Old Town Edinburgh.
Where to go and what to do
With well-connected roads and less rainfall to thwart any adventure, Scotland in October offers a great opportunity to embark on an epic road trip. Drive through the magical Scottish Highlands or take the Skye Route from Glasgow to Fort William with Glencoe and Mallaig as in-between stops. You might also want to explore the Isle of Skye and go on a hike through the rugged but stunning landscapes. For a more relaxing time, head to Galloway Forest Park, known for stargazing, or stroll through the picturesque Lady Mary’s Walk in Perthshire. You could also celebrate the month of Halloween by booking ghost tours to Eilean Donan Castle and Saint Andrew's Cathedral.
The weather in Scotland in October is fairly pleasant and steady. But do prepare for sudden rain and cold spells. With the high season over, tourist footfall is low across the country, allowing you to discover the highlights more closely and at your own pace. The down season also means cheaper hotel and travel rates. October is a great month to tour around Scotland and see its attractions without breaking the bank. For more information, you can check out our article on how many days to spend in Scotland.
Our local travel specialists are here to help you plan a customized holiday in Scotland. Reach out to them if you are interested in a personalized itinerary.
Alternatively, you can check our Scotland tours in October.
Other articles:
Scotland in September
Scotland in November
